Although I have a new 2011 Remlin catalog, there's nothing in there that appeals to me personally; and without exception, all the new Remlins I've seen had poor wood to metal fitting and the actions were stiff and sounded like they were full of grit. You impress me as a person who has the same kind of attitudes about his guns that I do; you recognize that you'll spend more time looking at your gun than you will actually hunting with it, so you want something that will be pleasing to look at. But you also want a well-made quality piece that will retain its value over time; and to get what it is you want, you're willing to pay, within reason, the cost of owning such a piece.
Realizing that everyone has different tastes, and that mine are often out of the mainstream; I'll share some of my thoughts and folks can take them as they wish. My personal tastes go to the less common models in Walnut and blue only; but I've owned and used an example of virtually every model and variation of the Marlin 336 action cataloged from 1948-2011; and I presently own 336A-DL's in 30/30 and 32 Special, a 1973 vintage 336A in 35 Rem, a 1977 vintage 336A re-barreled to 32-40 Win (these early 336A's all have a 24" barrel and half-mag tube), a 336SC in 219 Zipper, a M375, a 336ER, a 308MX, a 338MX, and I'm tinkering with a 336C that has been rechambered to 307 Win. Of those models, the 338MX is the newest (2009 manufacture); and if I could only own one Marlin lever, that would be last gun standing. The 338MX blends the best of the traditional lever gun with the latest in lever gun ammo technology; and the 338ME is an absolutely amazing lever gun round! A close second is the 308MX; both the 308ME and 338ME cartridges are amazingly accurate, and we have a few members here who've recorded one-shot kills with these cartridges at over 400 yards. The problem is that both models came on the scene as Remington was acquiring the gunworks; and some of the guns produced under Remington ownership are pathetically bad, so if you consider one of these newer Marlins make sure you understand your serial numbers and know what to look for in terms of potential manufacturing defects. These models have 22" barrels with short mag tubes; but are also available with 24" barrels in stainless steel and laminate stocks (MXLR).
The model 336ER is chambered in 356 Winchester (introduced in 1983). This model, and the Model M375 (introduced in 1980) and chambered in 375 Winchester, where shipped with 20" barrels and short mag tubes. These guns are quick handing, and both are devastating out to 200 yards are so; but with factory loads, accuracy becomes a challenge beyond that range. The 336ER is quite rare (2441 produced); the M375 less so, as about 16,000 were produced in that caliber; and both were last cataloged in 1986. Of the two, I personally prefer the 336ER.
The model 336A and 336A-DL's were produced from 1948 to 1962, and were chambered in 30/30 Win and 32 Win Special; with the 35 Remington chambering added in 1950. As noted, this model was dropped after 1962; but reintroduced in 1973 and produced in limited numbers thru 1978, but was only produced in 35 Rem during 1973 making that model/chambering very rare. The early 336A's (1948-1955) have traditional Ballard rifling and are not factory drilled and tapped for scope mounting (Marlin lever rifles first received Micro-groove rifling in 1956). The model 336A-DLs were "fancy" and more costly version of the 336A; and came from the factory with higher grade hand-checkered walnut stocks, factory installed sling swivel studs, a carry strap, and were better fitted and finished in the old fashioned gun maker's tradition. In 1957 Marlin contracted with Bishop stocks to design a custom stock for the 336A, A-DL, and the 336SC and SD. The A's and SC's now had a Monte Carlo combed stock, the SD the same stock with better wood and hand-checkering; and the A-DL, a hand-checkered Monte Carlo stock with raised cheek piece; often of fabulously figured walnut. It is the ladder model 336A-DL's produced from 1957-1962 that intrigues me; and nowadays examples are somewhat hard to find. And for what it's worth, it is my opinion that these early Marlin levers are tops as regarding quality standards in manufacturing.
If you prefer straight gripped Marlins, rare models would be the Deluxe Texan and the Marauder; both models produced in the 1962-1964 time period. Some of the Deluxe Texans have fabulous wood, and are extremely rare in 35 Rem chambering; but finding a DT for sale nowadays is virtually impossible. There are several commemorative and limited edition models such as the Zane Grey, the 336 Octagon; and various cowboy models featuring octagon barrels and period stocks. I don't have time to continue this essay; so the best recommendation I can make to you is that you study period catalogs for a listing of all available models; then, when you find something of interest, post your question here and someone will be able to answer all your questions. As to the desire to purchase a Marlin new, the only Marlin levers I've purchased new in decades have been the 308 and 338MX models, as I just had to have one now! But generally, I always buy used, as I have learned over the years how to properly evaluate a used gun. There is a sticky thread here by Tomray as to how a gun should be correctly assessed; but I always start by checking original finishes and screw slots. I don't mind some degree of finish wear provided that wear is from honest use and the gun is priced appropriately; but if a gun has buggered-up screw slots, that always raises a red flag of suspicion.
Again, good luck with your quest.
